RAM leader’s brod named PMA superintendent

A relatively young general was appointed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to head the country’s premier military school.

At 53, Brig. Gen. Leopoldo Maligalig becomes the youngest general to be named superintendent of the elite Philippine Military Academy (PMA), based at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City.

Maligalig is the younger brother of retired Navy Capt. Proceso Maligalig, spokesman for the defunct Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM).

AFP chief Gen. Generoso Senga said Maligalig would take over as PMA superintendent when Lt. Gen. Cristolito Balaoing retires on Monday.

Senga said Maligalig was chosen for his role in formulating the PMA Road Map 2015 with Balaoing.

Maligalig served as commandant of the PMA Corps of Cadet under Balaoing prior to his appointment. "He (Maligalig) still has more than two years before retirement and therefore (he would) ensure the implementation of this plan in its very crucial initial three-year stage," Senga said.

Maligalig was appointed to the post, which was previously reserved for two-star generals until Balaoing.

Senga explained that Maligalig, a graduate of PMA Class ’76, is more qualified since he still has three years until his retirement to implement much-needed programs at the PMA.

Maligalig’s classmates, including Maj. Gen. Alexander Yano, Brigadier Generals Rodrigo Maclang and Victor Ibrado, were also appointed to key positions in the continuing revamp in the AFP.

Yano was designated commanding general of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division based in Tanay, Rizal while Maclang has been named the incoming AFP deputy chief for intelligence. Ibrado, on the other hand, was appointed Army chief of staff.

Maligalig, for his part, said he would pursue the changes that Balaoing began at the academy. — Jaime Laude